1 million more homes and businesses on superfast broadband

by AprilSix Proof

£1.7bn government scheme starting to deliver benefits

The government has announced that its £1.7bn nationwide superfast broadband rollout is on track. Aiming to provide this service to 95% of the UK’s homes and businesses by 2017, it says up to 40,000 premises are being connected to the fibre optic network each week, with a total of one million already being served.

By connecting the vast majority of the nation to the superfast broadband network, the government aims to stimulate economic growth. It cites that for every £1 invested in rural areas, £20 will be made in return. In addition, 56,000 jobs will be created by 2024, and rural economies will be increased by £275m every month.

The government already claims that the UK’s super-fast broadband coverage is the highest of the top 5 European economies, although there is still room for improvement. In particular, more needs to be done to connect the final 5% – those living in the most remote areas of the country.